Newcastle United 2-0 Manchester United: Joe Willock, Callum Wilson fire Magpies to win against Man Utd

Joe Willock and Callum Wilson were on target as Newcastle United leapfrogged top-four rivals Manchester United into third spot in the Premier League with a convincing 2-0 victory at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe’s hosts were completely dominant throughout the first half as they looked for the dual reward of moving back into the Champions League places and avenging their League Cup final defeat to the Red Devils back in February.

Manchester United were far from their best and were grateful to goalkeeper David de Gea on 16 minutes when he produced a brilliant double save to keep out Alexander Isak’s header and Willock from close range.

Sean Longstaff then whistled a scorching 25-yard shot inches past the far post before Willock somehow failed to keep his 10-yard strike down after lovely build-up from Isak and Allan Saint-Maximin.

Man United had been buoyed by the news Marcus Rashford was fit to start, but the away side struggled to find their talisman as they failed to manage a single shot on target in the opening 45 of a top-flight match for the first time this season.

Newcastle struggled to hit the same heights following the restart but remained the better side and deservedly broke the deadlock past the hour when a brilliant move ended with Willock finally getting his goal with a simple close-range header from Saint-Maximin’s nod back.

Substitute Callum Wilson headed in a late second to clinch the points and heat up the race for the Champions League places.

The result sees Newcastle move level with Man United on 50 points, but they rise above Erik ten Hag’s men on goal difference. The Red Devils drop to fourth, one point ahead of Tottenham having played one game fewer.

Next up, Man United host Brentford on Wednesday night while Newcastle visit West Ham.

Talking point

Key month off to a poor start for Man United. One down, eight to go. There’s no denying ten Hag has enjoyed a very positive first campaign in the Old Trafford dugout, but a promising beginning could yet go either way with the final, most important furlong still to come.

April could define the level of success of this campaign with some favourable league fixtures on paper as well as a clash at top-four rivals Tottenham. Mixed in between the five Premier League matches is the small matter of a two-legged Europa League quarter final with Sevilla and an FA Cup semi final with Brighton.

It should be exciting times for United fans, but the manner of this defeat won’t sit well and there will be concerns that they are edging slightly off the rails as they have been dragged back into a battle for a Champions League berth when just a few weeks ago there were very quiet whispers of an outside tilt for the title.

It could be that ten Hag needs to tinker with his line-up and it’s clear from social media and post-match phone-ins that patience is running out with the manager’s faith in Wout Weghorst.

As for Newcastle, there are completely contrasting feelings for Howe and his men now. There will have been fears they were running out of steam after dropping out of the top four, but they return there with a bang today and just like the Red Devils, April could be a defining month in terms of deciding whether they realise their ambitions or not.

Player of the match – Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United)

The Brazilian once again demonstrated just how important he is to Newcastle. When he’s fit and involved they rarely lose. He was the best midfielder on the pitch and had a key role in the opening goal.

Player Ratings

NEWCASTLEUTD: Pope 7, Trippier 8, Schar 8, Botman 7, Burn 7, Longstaff 8, Guimaraes 8, Willock 8, Murphy 7, Isak 8, Saint-Maximin 8. Subs: Joelinton 6, Gordon 6, Wilson 6, Anderson 6.

MAN UTD: De Gea 8, Dalot 6, Varane 6, Martinez 7, Shaw 6, McTominay 6, Sabitzer 6, Fernandes 5, Antony 6, Weghorst 5, Rashford 5. Subs: Martial 6, Sancho 6, Lindelof n/a, Fred n/a, Pellistri n/a.

Match Highlights

16’ NEWCASTLE CHANCE! How has that stayed out? Isak sees his thumping header pushed out by De Gea who then somehow blocks Willock’s rebound from close-in. It’s a quite sensational double save.

38’ NEWCASTLE CHANCE! Longstaff moves Saint-Maximin’s pass out of his feet and sizzles a rocket of a 25-yard shot inches past the far post.

40’ NEWCASTLE CHANCE! Another opportunity goes begging for the hosts as Willock lashes over from 10 yards after a brilliant counter attack involving Isak and Saint-Maximin.

65’ – GOAL! – Newcastle 1-0 Man Utd. Willock heads in Saint-Maximin’s nod back from close range after Isak and Guimaraes had opened up the visitors on the right side of the area.

76’ NEWCASTLE CHANCE! It should be two. Joelinton has a header from a corner tipped on to the bar by De Gea with Martial also doing well to keep out Schar’s follow-up at the far post.

88’ – GOAL! – Newcastle 2-0 Man Utd. Wilson finishes Man United off as he comes off the bench to guide a simple header in from Trippier’s pinpoint cross.

Key Stats

• Saint-Maximin’s assist for Joe Willock was the sixth chance he created against Man Utd today – his most in a single Premier League game.
• Kieran Trippier has provided six assists in the Premier League so far this season. No defender has more.
• Manchester United have lost four of their eight Premier League games without Casemiro this season, compared to three of 19 when he has played.